NEW Chester Jets coach Paul Smith has already taken his first jump shot - a leap of faith.

The 36-year-old from Wallasey signed up to replace the departing Robbie Peers after two years as assistant coach.

Jets director Mike Burton said Peers moved on as he wanted to coach a potentially bigger club, and backed Smith to take up his mantle.

Although this will be his first time in the hot seat, Smith also believes he has got what it takes to continue Peers' run of success.

Smith said: "Obviously it is a daunting challenge, but I believe I know what it takes to win in basketball.

"It is my first head coaching role at this level, but sometimes you have to make a leap of faith.

"As assistant I have been watching and learning from Robbie and Mike Burton in the past two years and I was very lucky to have two people like that to nurture me.

"Now it is my turn and although my credibility as a coach is nothing - as I have not done it before - I will be working hard to build it up, attract quality players and play good basketball."

If his first week in charge is anything to go by, Smith stands a good chance of doing well in his new post as he has already convinced key man John McCord to sign up for another season - his third with the Jets - with more recruiting work planned.

Smith said: "Basically there is a fairly small window of time to try and retain the players from last season, and getting John to stay on was a great start to that.

"I will be at the play-off finals looking at players and speaking to players about playing for Chester. To be honest you are always looking and thinking what if.

"After that I will be going to Florida in June on a scouting trip, with the rest being a mixture of looking at videos and talking to agents and players," he added.

"One thing I have learned from Robbie is that the hard work is done over the summer and the main thing in our favour is Jets have a good reputation for looking after players."

Whoever ends up on the Jets roster next season will have to fit into Smith's plans for the style of play he intends to employ - winning and entertaining.

He explained: "Mixing those two aspects is the only way to play basketball.

"Chester have been a very explosive team under Robbie and I want to increase that part of our game.

"The game plan is to hammer the other team into the ground. That is the style I will be recruiting for."

Paul added: "I would ask the supporters to keep the faith because we will still be competitive.

"I know what the club has done over the past couple of years and while I am making no promises, it is my intention to continue that progress in terms of results and style.

"The Northgate will still be a fun place to come, that's for sure."

Club director Mike Burton added Smith was his first choice for the role when Peers decided to move on, despite interest from several American coaches.

"I am a Liverpool fan and believe in the bootroom," he explained.

"Paul has been the assistant coach for two years and before that he was a player. I even coached him as a schoolboy like I did Robbie.

"He has a passion for the sport and the club and you can't put a price on that.

"When things are tough, someone with that depth of feeling makes things happen for the better."

He also expressed his thanks to Robbie Peers for his work as coach.

Burton said: "He has been the most successful coach in British basketball over the past few years and has done everything with us.

"I am delighted with what he has done for the Jets and wish him all the best wherever he goes.

"Certainly the work Robbie has done will help Paul establish himself quicker because we are at a far higher level now than we where when Robbie started."